Russian and Foreign Scientists Discussed Innovative Technologies for Rehabilitation of the Polluted Arctic Coastline

Moscow, Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An international conference on bioremediation (biological cleanup) of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the Arctic coast was held in Moscow this past week. Leading scientists in remediation of contaminated soil and water bodies from Russia, Canada, the United States and Finland attended the event. Discussions were held as part of the plan of major events in connection with the Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, operated by the Roscongress Foundation.

The Arctic’s fragile ecosystems are increasingly becoming exposed to technogenic pollution, including oil products. One of the most promising directions of pollution elimination is the use of microorganisms to decompose pollutants.

“Russia has a strong scientific community in the field of bioremediation, which has had a positive experience of interaction with scientists from Norway, the United States and Canada. And we need to keep working together. The path from scientific development to practical application is often long and difficult,” said Pavel Krasilnikov, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, doctor of biological sciences and acting dean of the faculty of soil science at Lomonosov Moscow State University. “Russia's chairmanship in the Arctic Council may help the government and businesses pay attention to the achievements of scientists in the field of northern nature restoration.”

Each specialist presented their experience in research and practical application of bioremediation technologies to restore Arctic nature. The effectiveness of biological methods in a comprehensive approach to the cleanup of contaminated areas was highlighted.

“Biological cleaning methods are most effective in the Arctic due to the increasingly intensive development of the region, including the growth of hydrocarbon production, cargo traffic and the size of the population. Not only can they be used during the elimination of the consequences of emergencies but also for prevention and early detection of vulnerable areas,” said Mikhail Makarov, doctor of biological sciences and acting director of the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The prospects of international scientific cooperation were also discussed during the conference. In particular, a joint project of scientists from Russia, Norway and Finland to create innovative biotechnology for the comprehensive restoration of oil-polluted Arctic coastlines as part of the “Kolarctic,” a cross-border cooperation program, was discussed.

“We see great potential in studying the influence of microorganisms on the decomposition of petroleum products. Such methods are especially effective in the phase after mechanical cleaning of a contaminated area or when other methods are not feasible,” said Kirsten Jorgensen, an expert from the Finnish Environmental Institute.

The results of the practical application of bioremediation methods were presented. Graeme Spiers, professor Emeritus of Environmental Geology at Laurentian University (Ontario, Canada), reported on soil remediation and afforestation of former industrial and mining sites in Canada.

Conference participants noted that bioremediation projects play a significant role in improving environmental safety in the Arctic. The importance of scaling up methods in a way that is safe and technologically sound was particularly highlighted.

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